Reform needs of current EU member states in social and labour-market policy

From 14 to 16 May, the Akademie für Politische Bildung held a conference on the "Impact of Eastward EU Expansion on Labour Market and Policy Options". The final discussion focussed on the reforms that current EU member states need to make to face the challenges of enlargement. Prof. Bernd Huber, Munich University, presented the case for a "delayed integration". Christoph Kannengießer, Confederation of German Employers' Associations, argued for the rapid introduction of the free movement of labour. Norbert Ewald of the Farmer-Agriculture-Environment Union explained why transitional regulations are necessary before introducing the free movement of labour and services, at least in some industries. Dr. Wolfgang Ohndorf of the Federal Ministry for Labour and Social Order sees advantages in a likely transitional phase since these regulations would allow a "precise reaction to actual developments. On the basis of the state of negotiations, we will have many options. The length of the transition of up to seven years can, if necessary, be fully utilised or also shortened. From the beginning, we will be able to flexibly steer immigration on the basis of national law."